SNIDER: Redskins should re-sign Adrian Peterson now

The Redskins need to re-sign Adrian Peterson, because not having a marquee quarterback will force the team to run regularly this fall.

ESPN reported extension talks with the future Hall of Fame running back have begun after he gained 1,042 yards last season while averaging 4.4 yards in the season's first half before the offensive line crumbled with injuries.

While the free agency market will be lukewarm for Peterson until preseason when injuries force teams to consider the aging back as a replacement just like Washington did last year, it only takes one to force the Redskins to overspend. Lock him down now and don't look back.

Sure, there are some worries. Derrius Guice should return as the number one back after missing his rookie year with a torn ACL. If healthy, Guice looks like another Sony Michel of the New England Patriots.

Can Peterson remain content as a backup and possible spot starter? That takes some ego taming for a once-great player. Will Peterson willingly teach Guice how to replace him? The fears should be lessened by Peterson showing last season what a professional he is.

The NFL is tilting back to running more often. Oh, it's still a passing league, but teams finally rediscovered the ground game the last two seasons, and Washington needs a great one-two punch of Guice and Peterson with Chris Thompson on third downs to offset a rookie quarterback or journeyman starter.

Opposing defensive coordinators will spend a lot of late nights trying to counter Guice-Peterson-Thompson. Given a healthy line, they'll carry the Redskins.

Peterson will want a raise after delivering a prove-it season at age 33. A two-year deal doesn't seem too risky given the runner is special. The Redskins should just pay the man and work on the next need of a long offseason list.

Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.